EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede Targets Illegal Mining Sponsors

Ola Olukoyede, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), pledged to intensify efforts against illegal mining in Nigeria during a conference held on November 3, 2026, in Ilorin, Kwara State. The conference, organized by the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS) in collaboration with the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA), focused on the theme "Uprooting the Roots of Resource Theft: A Zero-Tolerance Approach to Mining Corruption and Increasing Insecurity in Nigeria." Olukoyede stated that Nigeria is losing significant revenue from its mineral resources due to corruption and illegal mining activities.

He highlighted that illegal mining involves not only those at mining sites but also financiers, buyers, and government officials who protect these operations. The EFCC plans to pursue those financing illegal mining and ensure they face legal consequences.

Between October 2023 and July 2026, the EFCC handled 52 illegal mining cases, resulting in investigations, prosecutions, and the forfeiture of 102 tonnes of solid minerals. Olukoyede received a Fellowship Award from MINILS for his anti-corruption efforts.